Linda Thompson Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Association of Destination Management Executives International
Overview
The Linda Thompson Memorial Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in destination management companies (DMCs) and the meetings and events industry. It provides recipients with professional development opportunities and direct connections to industry leaders. Recipients are invited to participate in the ADMEI Annual Conference, gaining hands-on event experience and exposure to conference planning and onsite logistics. The scholarship reinforces practical learning alongside academic study.
Description: A scholarship honoring Linda Thompson that funds student advancement in the DMC and meetings & events professions.
- Supports hospitality students focused on the DMC field
- Combines financial support with experiential industry engagement
- Facilitates networking and professional development at an industry conference
Eligibility
The scholarship is open to students who plan to pursue careers in destination management or the broader meetings and events industry. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in or commitment to the DMC profession. The program is intended for those at a stage in their education where industry exposure and mentorship will advance their career trajectory. Specific academic level or enrollment requirements were not provided in the source.
Eligibility: Any student pursuing a career in the DMC or meetings & events industry is eligible to apply.
- Open to students focused on DMC and meetings & events careers
- Intended for those seeking industry mentorship and hands-on experience
- No additional eligibility details were specified in the source
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit materials that demonstrate their background, references, and communication skills. Required components include a resume, a letter of recommendation, and a short video essay. The video essay should present the applicant’s interest in the DMC field and career goals. Application submission instructions and platform details were not provided in the source.
What Do I Need to Apply? Resume; letter of recommendation; video essay (1–3 minutes).
- Resume outlining education and relevant experience
- Letter of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s potential
- Video essay (1–3 minutes) explaining interest and goals in the DMC industry
Award Details
Recipients receive a monetary award paid directly to their university and are invited to attend the ADMEI Annual Conference. The scholarship covers hotel accommodations and round-trip airfare for the conference, and winners are offered hands-on event experience and opportunities to assist with conference planning and onsite logistics. Winners also receive invitations to the ADMEI Awards Gala and exclusive networking events with industry professionals. These benefits aim to combine financial support with practical, career-building exposure.
Award Value: $2,500 paid to the recipient’s university; conference invitation and travel benefits.
- $2,500 scholarship (paid directly to the university)
- Invitation to the ADMEI Conference in New Orleans (21–23 February 2027)
- Hotel accommodations, round-trip airfare, hands-on event experience, awards gala, and networking opportunities
Application Timeline & Selection
Applications are accepted annually from June through November. Scholarship recipients are announced in December. Winners are invited to attend the ADMEI Annual Conference in February to participate in conference activities and gain industry exposure. Details about the selection criteria or review process were not provided in the source.
Application Timeline: Applications open June–November; recipients announced in December; conference attendance in February.
- Application window: June through November
- Recipients announced in December
- Conference attendance and related activities take place in February
About Linda Thompson
Linda Thompson was the owner of Cappa and Graham, Inc. in San Francisco and a driving force in the development of the DMC Network. She dedicated significant effort to mentoring young professionals and raising standards across the DMC industry. Thompson advocated for industry education, professional certification, and early adoption of sustainability and environmentally ethical practices. The scholarship honors her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to advancing the DMC profession.
History of the Award: The scholarship memorializes Linda Thompson’s contributions to the DMC industry and supports students who reflect her commitment to excellence and mentorship.
- Recognizes Linda Thompson’s legacy in the DMC profession
- Encourages mentorship, professional development, and sustainability
- Funds students who aim to advance the DMC and meetings & events industry